Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Son Heung Min, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, United States, South Korea, MLS
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Son Heung Min, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, United States, South Korea, MLS
A Los Angeles city councilwoman committed "the ultimate faux pas" at Son Heung-min's official presentation as the South Korea international was unveiled as an LAFC player on Wednesday evening.
After a decade-long stay in North London, Son announced his decision to leave Tottenham at an emotional press conference ahead of their pre-season friendly against Newcastle.
The 33-year-old forward, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, said leaving the Premier League club was "the most difficult decision" of his career to date as he explained his next move.
"I need a new environment to push myself," he admitted. "I need a little bit of change - 10 years is a long time."
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A few days later and Son was presented as Los Angeles FC's newest recruit at an introductory press conference that saw club ownership and local dignitaries attend, including democratic Los Angeles city councilwoman Heather Hutt.
Hutt welcomed the most expensive player in MLS history to Los Angeles but while doing so, she appeared to suggest one of South Korea's all-time top scorers could help the United States win next summer's World Cup.
"How smart is LAFC? Let's give it up, because this is the right time to bring the right person," she said, as per the Daily Mail.
"And no pressure, but when a World Cup comes, we're expecting a win here in Los Angeles for the USA, aren't we? And so we are here to support you to get that done."
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As you can see from the footage above, the comment was soon translated to Son, who laughed in response. Many proceeded to react to the scenes, including Philadelphia Union reporter Jose Roberto Nunez.
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"Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt (10th District), whose area includes Koreatown, committed the ultimate faux pas," he said on X, formerly Twitter. "She told Son Heung-Min, 'No pressure, when the World Cup comes, we’re expecting a win here in Los Angeles… for the USA.' Yes, to Son. Heung. Min."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the moment.
One said: "L.A. Councilwoman Heather Hutt thinks that Son Heung-Min — a SOUTH KOREAN who just signed with LAFC — will be playing for the UNITED STATES in the upcoming World Cup. This is what we are dealing with here in Los Angeles."
A second wrote: "Wait, does she think Son will play for the USMNT?" and a third commented: "Should we laugh or cry?"
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A fourth said: "Dude… Our countries general knowledge about Futbol/soccer is so freaking behind. This is embarrassing," and a fifth added: "That was such a bad press conference.. half the politicians they let talk had no clue who he was."
Hutt would also call Los Angeles a beautiful city as she praised Son's decision to join LAFC. "We're so glad to have you," she added. "You are bringing your smile and your talent, your culture, to LAFC."
Speaking to the media, Son gave an insight into his decision to join Steve Cherundolo's side.
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“There are many reasons why LAFC and LA was the location for me,” said Son. “As a Korean, to know that Koreatown here in Los Angeles has so many Koreans here in this country. I'm very proud to be a part of the club and the city here, and will make them proud of my performance and do the best I can to represent.”
He added: “I've obviously played with former teammates like Hugo Lloris, Gareth Bale and a national team player that I know, Kim Moon-hwan, also played for the club. The conversations that I've had with them were great, and also Hugo was helping and advising about how great Los Angeles is.”